Enjoying a hot cup of organic tea on the go has always been easy: You only need a tea bag, your travel mug, and hot water. Coffee drinkers don’t always have that same luxury. Whether you use single-use coffee pods or make a whole pot, brewing your morning beverage takes more time. But steeped coffee bags are changing the game.

Steeped coffee bags work the same way as steeped tea bags. The coffee grounds are already perfectly proportioned and ready to use: Just drop the bag into your hot water, and you’ll have a fresh cup of coffee in no time.

Despite being brewed quickly and effortlessly, the coffee quality is still top-notch; you might not even be able to tell the difference between a cup you brew in your coffee machine and your cup of steeped coffee. But how eco-friendly is this popular single-use option?

Are Steeped Coffee Bags Eco-Friendly?

When you think of quick and convenient coffee, you probably think of K-cups or other coffee pods. While easy to use, the majority of single-use coffee pods generate plastic waste. For example, many “recyclable” K-cups are still hard to recycle unless you separate the pod components.

Plus, if you prefer to get your coffee at your favorite coffee chain, it’s important to note that the cups and straws you get aren’t typically recyclable either—even the paper options, which tend to be lined with plastic.

While it may seem convenient to have a cup of coffee at the push of a button, steeped coffee bags can be a more eco-friendly addition to your morning coffee routine. Especially since the bag the coffee is steeped in is generally compostable, depending on the type you purchase.

If you’re not sure where to start, try the Brightly Brew Steeped Coffee Bags. They’re completely compostable, allowing you to sip stress-free with the planet in mind. The coffee you’re getting is sustainable, too: It’s an organic French roast that’s Fair Trade certified.

How to Use Steeped Coffee Bags

Making a cup of coffee with a steeped coffee bag is easy. First, fill your reusable cup or travel mug with eight ounces of hot water for the tastiest results. Then, dunk your steeped coffee bag in for 15 to 30 seconds. Leave it in longer for added strength. After five minutes, start sipping your sustainable brew.

Once your steeped coffee bag has served its purpose, don’t toss it in the garbage. It can be composted, which keeps waste out of landfills. Who knew drinking coffee could be so fun—and planet-friendly?

Coffee, Compostable, Single-use Plastics